Chiang Mai & Elephants

See a different side of Chiang Mai by hanging out with the gentle giants of the Elephant Nature Park. Be greeted by an expert guide and learn about the plight of this humble species - whose mistreatment is sadly prevalent in many parts of South-East Asia. Help out by feeding one of these friendly creatures from the viewing platform. Then, for those who don't mind getting a bit damp, don some bathers and get wet and wild during bathing time. Wave goodbye to new friends and return to Chiang Mai to make offerings to monks, explore Kad Ton Payo flea market, enjoy a spot of meditation or taste regional specialties.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
For bookings made after 5th of December and for travel in December 2017 or January 2018, if the Elephant Nature Park is fully booked you will be booked into our alternative BMP Elephant Care Project. This is due to the limited availability at the Elephant Nature Park during peak season.

Why you'll love this trip

Meet elephants in a responsible environment at the Elephant Nature Park, a unique project providing a sanctuary and rescue centre for these incredible creatures

Learn the story of rescued elephants and even get your swimgear on and help bathe them

Take a songthaew to Kad Ton Payom flea market and purchase offerings to give to monks

Discover local flavours with a traditional breakfast

Talk with the abbot at the 600-year-old Wat Umong Temple and learn about Buddhism and Dharma

Mingle with the monks and get some basic meditation tips in Wat Suan Dok

Is this trip right for you?

This Short Break Adventure is a ‘join in’ group departure, which means you are not accompanied by an Intrepid group leader – our local representative fills this role – and the configuration of any fellow travellers in the group might change during the trip. You will have the evenings to yourself and your guide can help suggest places to eat and shop.

This trip will run with a minimum of one person, so you may be joined by other travellers booked on the same date as you, or you may be on your own.

Gallery

Itinerary

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. The most vibrant city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has many famous temples and an interesting old city area. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 7pm with your local guide. An airport arrival transfer is included please advise your flight details at time of booking. If you arrive early, head out to explore charming Chiang Mai. The friendliness of the people, the interesting old town bound by moats, and the many fascinating temples enthral travellers from around the world. After the welcome meeting you will have free time tonight. Make sure to sample some delicious traditional northern Thai food in the vibrant night markets – the signature dish is kao soy, yellow wheat noodles in a curry broth, traditionally served with chicken or beef.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information

The complimentary arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. Please provide your arrival details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel to organise this transfer.

Set off early this morning, around 8am, and drive along the Mae Taeng Valley to the Elephant Nature Park (approximately 60 kilometres), a unique project providing a sanctuary and rescue centre for elephants. You’ll be greeted by an expert guide, and then learn the stories of rescued elephants and understand the issues surrounding elephants in South-East Asia. After that you'll have a chance to feed the elephants from the viewing platform. Lunch is provided, before the memorable experience of elephant bath time. After a safety briefing, you can join in to scrub and bathe the elephants (be sure to bring some shorts/swim gear and a change of clothing), or alternatively just sit back and enjoy watching these incredible creatures wash themselves. Return to Chiang Mai to soak up the atmosphere of this great city. Tonight is free for you to do as you wish. You could indulge in an authentic Thai massage at one of the many places on offer within walking distance from your hotel.
For bookings made after 5th of December and for travel in December 2017 or January 2018, if the Elephant Nature Park is fully booked you will be booked into our alternative BMP Elephant Care Project. This is due to the limited availability at the Elephant Nature Park during peak season.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Chiang Mai - Elephant Nature Park day trip

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Special Information

Toady you will be picked up from your hotel by a staff member from Elephant Nature Park. They will be your guide for today's activities. Please note you may join in with other travellers who have booked this Elephant Nature Park day tour only. You will arrive back at your hotel at approximately 5pm. In the evening you will have free time to do as you wish.
For bookings made after 5th of December and for travel in December 2017 or January 2018, please see further information about the BMP Elephant Care Project under the "Itinerary Disclaimer" section of our Essential Trip Information.

It’s an early start today (6am) as you set off by songthaew for a scenic drive to Kad Ton Payom flea market. Here you’ll collect your offerings from the market and then offer these alms to monks to ‘make merit’. This region is famous for its cuisine and you’ll enjoy a traditional breakfast of local specialities such as rice soup, fried rice, and grilled pork. The next stop is Wat U-mong, a 600 year-old temple famed for its large painted pagoda and underground tunnel. Soak up the peaceful atmosphere and take the opportunity to talk with the abbot about Buddhism and Dharma. Then it’s on to Wat Suan Dok, where you can mingle with monks to learn about their way of life, take some time to learn basic meditation, and also make an offering to the Sangkha (the Buddhist community). Your adventure concludes at apprioximately 12pm, and you are free to depart at any time. There is no accommodation included tonight. Perhaps stay in Chiang Mai and explore the city further.

Included Activities

Urban Adventures - Chiang Mai Mind & Soul tour

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

Today you will join in with an Urban Adventures tour - Chiang Mai Mind & Soul. You may meet other travellers who are also doing thie Urban Adventures tour only.
As this trip visits religious sites, please ensure your knees and shoulders are covered.

Inclusions

Meals

2 breakfasts,
1 lunch

Transport

Mini bus,
Songthaew

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nights)

Included activities

Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer

Chiang Mai - Elephant Nature Park day trip

Urban Adventures - Chiang Mai Mind & Soul tour

Meals

2 breakfasts,
1 lunch

Transport

Mini bus,
Songthaew

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nights)

Included activities

Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer

Chiang Mai - Elephant Nature Park day trip

Urban Adventures - Chiang Mai Mind & Soul tour

Dates & availability

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Important notes

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking.
2. This trip starts on day 1 at 7pm with a welcome meeting, the trip finishes on day 3 at approximately 12pm
3. This trip is operated by one of our local partners in Thailand and therefore you may be joined by a mixture of Intrepid-booked passengers and other travellers during activities.
4. For bookings made after 5th of December and for travel in December 2017 or January 2018, if the Elephant Nature Park is fully booked you will be booked into our alternative BMP Elephant Care Project. This is due to the limited availability at the Elephant Nature Park during peak season.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.